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C a r e e r s EXPLORATIONSFall 2011
TELLING A NEW STORY
OERB focuses on new mesage
Every couple years the OERB conducts public opinion research to gain
insight on whether the organization is fulfilling its mission of educating the
public about the industry.
The latest research reveals Oklahomans do understand quite well how
beneficial the oil and natural gas industry is to our state and its economic
welfare.
A little more than 800 Oklahomans from varying ages and backgrounds
were polled in June and July. They were asked about the oil and natural
gas industry, as well as other
prominent business sectors in
our state and how each affect our
local economy.
Nearly every person polled said
Oklahoma’s economy relies on oil
and natural gas. So much so, 97.1
percent say oil and natural gas is
a vital industry for Oklahoma’s
economy. When asked what is the
single most important industry to
the economy, 46.9 percent said oil
and natural gas. The next closest was healthcare with 23.3 percent.
When asked about the issue of energy, respondents were asked whether
they believe energy is a national security issue, an economic issue or an
environmental issue. More than 50 percent felt it was an economic issue,
meaning there is a need for our
country to find less expensive
ways of meeting our energy
needs. Nearly 27 percent
said national security and 20
percent said environmental.
With those numbers in
mind, Oklahomans seem to be well-informed about the global energy picture. In fact,
80.4 percent said they believe the world’s energy demands are substantially increasing,
and we will face an energy crisis in the next 10 to 20 years.
Overall, most Oklahomans are supportive of the oil
and natural gas industry in our state. An overwhelming
number, 83.1 percent, reported they have a positive
image of the industry.
Those pollsters also said they would be proud if their
children found careers in the industry. When asked if
they’d encourage their child to consider a job in the oil
and natural gas industry, 78.4 percent said they would.
That’s an increase from 63.2 percent in 2009.
I N D U S T R Y
2
/industry explo rations
Do you have an interest in becoming
politically active on behalf of the
crude oil and natural gas industry? As
the representative organization for
over 2,100 members, the Oklahoma
Independent Petroleum Association
is actively seeking future leaders who
have a serious interest in learning about
the legislative and regulatory processes
which shape our industry. The OIPA
also offers many great networking and
relationship building events throughout
the year. For more information or to find
out how you can be a part of this exciting
movement, please contact Natalie
Kinmonth at (405) 942-2334, ext. 209 or
by e-mail at nkinmonth@oipa.com.
The Oklahoma Energy Resources Board has selected Taylor Todd to serve as its
education coordinator.
As the education coordinator, Todd will help coordinate OERB’s energy and science curricula, and
oversee the OERB’s Petro Pros programs.
“I’m grateful for the chance to be a part of this organization,” said Todd. “The OERB is an invaluable
resource for Oklahoma teachers, and I am looking forward to working with each of them.”
Todd is a recent graduate of the University of Oklahoma, having finished her bachelor's degree
in visual communications in May 2010. Her previous work includes marketing and sales at Noble
Pharmacy.
“Taylor’s eagerness and enthusiasm will be one of her strongest assets,” said Carla Schaeperkoetter,
OERB education director. “She is new to the oil and natural gas industry, and we look forward to
hearing what fresh ideas she has to help us make our student education programs stronger and more
valuable for our teachers and students.”
N E W S & M E D I A
Fall 2011
3
/news
Sweeping landscapes, lush greenery and proud landowners. It’s often not difficult to
spot an OERB television commercial. The message is simple. We clean up abandoned
well sites, and we’ve done it well for more than 15 years.
Most Oklahomans are familiar with our restoration program. In fact, after more than
11,000 restorations, many know someone who has had a well site cleaned up somewhere
in the state.
However, as honored as the OERB is to better the environment of Oklahoma, it is only
half of the mission we’ve been diligently undertaking for nearly two decades.
The OERB is embarking on a new message campaign that introduces the public to the
other side of what the industry is providing the state, through the OERB. Come November,
the sweeping scenes you will see in OERB’s newest public information campaign, will be
ones of classrooms, science labs and museums. It has been those places where the OERB
has carried out the other part of its mission – student education.
“There was a time when the restoration program was the OERB story,” said Pete Brown,
OERB Public Education Committee Chairman. “But, the organization has grown dramatically
over the last few years. Our student education efforts are making a major impact across the state.”
OERB began its student education efforts in 1996 with the development of a grade school science and energy curriculum and a
well site safety program. Since then, scholastic outreach has grown to encompass students from kindergarten through college, and
includes eight curricula, a volunteer speakers’ bureau, scholarships, a technical certification program and more.
“We looked at textbooks years ago and realized Oklahoma students were not going to learn very much about our industry and
their state’s oil and natural gas heritage if we didn’t do something,” said Brown. “Now, they begin to learn about geology and earth
science much earlier thanks to the OERB.”
New television, radio, Internet and print advertising will begin to share with the public the student education story of the OERB.
The public will begin to hear about the $21 million investment the industry, through the OERB, has dedicated to student education.
Oklahomans will find out more about the OERB’s continued commitment to more than 12,000 teachers to provide free curricula,
classroom supplies and field trips, as well as investing in the futures of hundreds of college students as they equip themselves to be
the world’s next leaders in energy.
“What we have been able to do over the past two decades is build a student education program that is first class in Oklahoma
and is a model for other states to follow,” said Brown.
These ads are in the production phase now and are expected to be released in late November.
NEW CAMPAIGN telling the OERB education story
r e s to r a tion
4
/restoration explo rations
A little more than a year after a new site identification database
was put into use at the OERB, the Environmental Restoration
team is calling it a success.
In the summer of 2010, the OERB began incorporating
Geographical Information Systems
or GIS technology into a database.
That database now includes
county land records, Oklahoma
Corporation Commission well
records and aerial photographs
from historical documents and
other sources to help pinpoint
abandoned wells that have not yet
been cleaned up and restored.
Environmental Director Steve Sowers says the
database is working as he had hoped, helping the OERB
track down remote sites more easily and efficiently.
“This system has increased the number of sites we
identified this year and turned into the Oklahoma
Corporation Commission for review,” said Sowers.
Once sites are identified, letters are mailed out
to landowners to let them know they may have an
abandoned oil well on their property. In the past year,
2,031 letters have been mailed out to landowners,
and because there are often multiple sites on a single
landowner’s property, those two-thousand-plus letters
turned into 2,672 identified sites.
Compared to traditional site submittal methods, the
database’s worth is truly highlighted. Since August of
2010, only 244 possible abandoned sites have been
submitted through the traditional methods including
landowners who have seen a television commercial or
Corporation Commission field inspectors who identify
sites while carrying out their other duties.
RESPONSE RATE: Nearly 350
landowners have responded to the
letters about the abandoned well
sites on their land. That tallies up to
about a 20 percent response rate – a
rate that’s been consistent since the launch of the database.
Once a landowner has responded, a project manager will visit
the site to meet landowners and determine the extent of damage.
The sites are then turned over to the OCC for approval before the
restoration work can begin.
“This system is a very proactive
approach to our restoration efforts,”
said Sowers. “While we still rely on
landowner inquiries to help lead
us to sites, searching and finding
them ourselves will help us fulfill
our mission more efficiently.”
To date, the OERB has restored
11,470 abandoned well sites and
spent $68 million on its restoration efforts. If you believe you have
an abandoned well site on your property or know someone who
does, call 1-800-664-1301 or submit it online at oerb.com.
SITE IDENTIFICATION PROVES WORTH
"THIS SYSTEM IS A
VERY PROACTIVE
APPROACH TO
OUR RESORATION
EFFORTS."
How many abandoned well sites have
been cleaned up near you?
See for yourself at oerb.com/restoration.
c a r e e r s
Fall 2011 /careers 5
5
A little volunteering from industry
professionals could be the key that unlocks
an Oklahoma child’s future in the oil
and natural gas industry. The OERB has
revamped its Petro Pros program and
added a section geared toward kindergarten
through second grade students.
Petro Pros are industry professionals who
volunteer their time to visit classrooms
across the state. A Petro Pro delivers a
hands-on, interactive presentation that
focuses on science, the discovery
of petroleum, well site safety and
careers in the oil and natural gas
industry.
Until now, the presentation was
too advanced for students younger than third grade. New activities and simplified
language in a special K-2 Petro Pros presentation, however, will make it possible for
volunteers to reach the youngest students.
Several Petro Pros gathered at an OERB-hosted luncheon recently to learn about the
new K-2 presentation. The volunteers are excited for the chance to talk with students.
“I'm very excited to participate in such a great program for the kids in our community,” said Jennifer James who
works at DCP Midstream. “As the mother of a 4-year-old, I know just how eager young minds can be to learn. I
think the positive impressions and lessons that kids remember for a lifetime begin at a very young age.”
Clark Whisenant works for Devon Energy and was inspired by his second grade son to volunteer.
“His grandpa and great-grandpa are both geologists,” said Whisenant. “He loves learning about science, and I
hope to provide the same excitement about learning to other kids. I’m looking forward to sharing with students
the science behind many items they see every day.
If you are interested in becoming a Petro Pro, or if you would like to schedule a presentation, call Taylor Todd
at 1-800-664-1301 or sign up online at www.oerb.com.
Some Oklahoma oil and natural gas companies are in the market for a few good workers,
and they’re turning to the OERB Job Line for help. The free online job search helps fill
Oklahoma’s need for energy industry employees, both skilled labor and professionals.
“When Oklahoma sees increases in drilling and leasing activity, the demand for a trained
workforce grows as well,” said OERB Executive Director Mindy Stitt. “The job line serves as
a way to connect companies with the people looking for those jobs.”
Stitt encourages producers, service companies and other energy-related companies or
organizations to post job openings on the OERB Job Line.
“The job line is free and easy,” Stitt said. “We expect many openings in the coming
months across the state, and we hope to play a role in matching the right jobs with the
right candidates.”
The oil and natural gas industry provides more than 71,000 jobs in Oklahoma.
Companies can email careers@oerb.com to learn more about posting job openings. If
you’re looking for a job just visit oerb.com/jobline for a full list of available positions
in your area.
Job Line is Hopping
SAMUEL LANGFORD
Sam Langford is General
Ma n a g e r o f New f i e l d
Exploration Mid-Continent.
He holds a Bachelor of
Science degree in mechanical
engineering from Auburn.
GARRETT PHELAN
Garrett Phelan serves as
Senior Crude Marketing
Representative for Sunoco
Logistics Partners, located
in Tulsa. Phelan is a Tulsa
native and holds a bachelor’s degree in
accounting. He also earned a Master of
Business Administration degree from
Arizona State University.
DALE MALODY
Dale Malody is Operations
Manager for Marathon Oil
Company in Oklahoma City.
Dale graduated from the
University of Wyoming in
1979 with a Bachelor of Science degree
in mathematics and then attended several
semesters of graduate school before
beginning his career with Marathon Oil
Company, formerly known as Casper, in
1980.
The OERB thanks outgoing board
members Lee Boothby of Newfield, Jim
Medico of Sunoco Logistics and Michael
Wiskofske of Marathon for their dedication
and service to the organization.
OERB WELCOMES
NEW BOARD MEMBERS
rPeEaTchRinOg Pa RnOewS audience
While another school year is well underway across
Oklahoma, the Education Department at the OERB is looking
back on the past school year and calling it a success.
At a banquet in May, the OERB staff celebrated its student
education volunteers.
The banquet shed light on important student education
milestones reached by the OERB during the 2010-2011
school year. These accomplishments include surpassing $20
million spent on student education efforts across the state
and launching a fourth children’s book.
From 2010-2011, the OERB staff and master teachers
trained 1,455 Oklahoma teachers in one of OERB’s eight
energy and science curricula.
Through generous funding from oil and natural gas
producers and royalty owners, the OERB also sponsored
1,500 field trips for 32,550 students to seven of Oklahoma’s
museums around the state. The OERB also awarded 109
scholarships to students at OU, OSU and TU.
The OERB is grateful for the many volunteers who help
it achieve its student education goals across the state. Many
of those volunteers are Petro Pros – industry professionals
who deliver one-hour presentations in classrooms across the
state to teach students about the oil and natural gas industry.
This past school year, 150 petro pro presentations reached 5,000 students.
Phil Valois with Pacer Energy was honored as the Outstanding Petro Pro for
traveling across eastern Oklahoma to deliver 16 presentations during the 2010-
2011 school year. Valois has been a petro pro for three years and has completed
a total of 63 presentations in that time.
In 2009, the OERB expanded the
PetroTech program from Oklahoma
City to Tulsa. Since then, Tulsa
Technology Center has done an
excellent job making this program
available to area students. To recognize
this significant contribution to OERB’s
Energy Education program, the OERB
recognized Tulsa Technology Center
with its 2011 Petro Partner Award.
The banquet festivities wrapped up
by honoring one volunteer with the
organization’s most prestigious education award – the Randy Foutch Award. This award is
named in honor of the former OERB board member who championed the OERB’s scholastic
outreach programs. Chuck Henkes of Weatherford Drilling received this award.
Henkes has been a Petro Pro volunteer for 10 years, reaching more than 2,000 students through presentations around the state.
Henkes has also donated numerous drill bits to the OERB to add to the demonstration kits Petro Pros use in their presentations. The
OERB is grateful for his dedication to our programs and to all of our volunteers who have made student education so successful
at the OERB.
e duca tion
/educators explo rations
6
Reaching New Milestones
OERB Scholastic Outreach Chairman Tim Munson with Chuck Henkes
Scholastic Outreach Chairman Tim Munson with
Tami Smith from Tulsa Tech
Students are prepping for finals across Oklahoma’s college
campuses. At the University of Tulsa, Oklahoma State University
and the University of Oklahoma, OERB’s petroleum scholars took
a short study break to talk about their futures.
The OERB is supporting 109 scholars this year. These are students
studying petroleum-related majors at TU, OSU and OU.
The job prospects for these students are high. Many OERB
petroleum scholars have a job lined up before they graduate.
The industry is seeking highly-skilled workers to reinforce their
staffs. Right now, the average age in the oil and natural gas industry
hovers around 50 years old, and those looming close to retirement
promise to create a gap that energy companies must fill.
An opportunity that isn’t lost on these OERB scholars.
“I want to be in the oil and natural gas industry because of the
opportunities it provides students,” said Eric Weidermann, TU energy
management senior. “We have bright career prospects in just about
any area we want.”
Fellow Hurricane, Oliver Wilson, agrees.
“Oil and natural gas is a very attractive industry, and it’s growing
with a lot of potential and a lot of room for new employees,”
said Wilson, a TU petroleum engineering junior. “I’d like to go
overseas and work in offshore reservoir engineering to find new
and advanced ways to recover oil.”
Still, for some joining the industry is not only about opportunity,
but also about following in family footsteps.
“I have family in the oilfield, and it’s just always been a way of
life,” said Zach Caraway, OSU geosciences junior. “I really feel the
oilfield is the last place a guy can make his fortune just by working
hard, doing what he does and knowing what he knows.”
What you hear most often from OERB petroleum scholars,
however, is how thankful they are to have both financial and
professional support from the industry.
“This scholarship has not only helped me, but it’s also helped
my family,” said Jon Fields, an OSU geosciences junior. “I don’t
have to worry about my mom trying to pay my tuition.”
Fellow Oklahoma State scholar, Mary Niles, agrees and recognizes
this scholarship is just the beginning of a long and successful career
in the industry.
“The OERB scholarship has helped me not only financially,
but also through networking opportunities,” said Niles, an OSU
geosciences junior. “I know that in this industry, networking is
a big part, and OERB is helping us make those connections that
will last a lifetime.”
The OERB awards up to $500,000 to students annually. A student
can receive as much at $10,500 over four years. The application
period for 2012-2013 scholarships is now open. Deadline to apply
is March 1, 2012. Visit the Careers page at oerb.com to apply.
e duca tion
Fall 2011 /educators
7
OERB Scholars
Ready to Answer the Call
OERB BOARD MEMBERS Oklahoma Energy Resources Board
3555 NW 58th Street | Suite 430 | Oklahoma City, OK 73112
Presorted
Standard Mail
U.S. Postage Paid
Permit No. 2000
Oklahoma City, OK
David House / Chairman
Jireh Resources, LLC
Ronnie Irani / Vice Chairman
RKI Exploration & Production
Julie S. Kruger / Secretary
JMW, LLC
Suzette Hatfield / Treasurer
Rio Dinero, LLC
Terry Adamson
BP America Inc.
Mark Aebi
Conoco Phillips
Pete Brown
Cimarron Production
Company Inc.
Mike Cantrell
Cantrell Investments, LLC
Phil Cook
Devon Energy Corp.
Mike Cross
Michael P. Cross Inc.
Bill Gifford
DCP Midstream
Thomas Goresen
Anadarko Petroleum
Rusty Johnson
JEC Operating, LLC
Rob Johnston
Apache Corp.
Central Region
Sam Langford
Newfield Exploration,
Mid-Continent Inc.
Dale Malody
Marathon Oil Company
Tim Munson
Spartan Resources, LLC
Garrett Phelan
Sunoco Logistics Partners
John Pilkington
Muirfield Resources
Company
Will Whitley
Chevron Corp.
Mindy Stitt
Executive Director
Steve Sowers
Environmental Director
Jennifer Billings
Communications Director
Carla Schaeperkoetter
Education Director
Diana Mathis
Controller
Cheryl Standage
Assessment Auditor
Sara McKisson
Environmental Coordinator
Breanne Wald
Web Site Administrator/
Communications Coordinator
Gayla Wright
Curricula Coordinator
Taylor Todd
Education Coordinator
OErB Contact Informatio n:
3555 NW 58th Street | Suite 430
Oklahoma City, OK 73112
(405)942-5323 ph | (405)942-3435 fx
(800) 664-1301 | OERB.com
This publication, printed by Mach 12 Graphics, is issued by the Oklahoma Energy Resources
Board as authorized by Executive Director Mindy Stitt. Fourteen thousand (14,000) copies have
been prepared and distributed at a cost of $3,828.00 Copies have been deposited with the
Publications Clearinghouse of the Oklahoma Department of Libraries.
[74 O.S. 1991, SS 3105 (B)] 5/97

C a r e e r s EXPLORATIONSFall 2011
TELLING A NEW STORY
OERB focuses on new mesage
Every couple years the OERB conducts public opinion research to gain
insight on whether the organization is fulfilling its mission of educating the
public about the industry.
The latest research reveals Oklahomans do understand quite well how
beneficial the oil and natural gas industry is to our state and its economic
welfare.
A little more than 800 Oklahomans from varying ages and backgrounds
were polled in June and July. They were asked about the oil and natural
gas industry, as well as other
prominent business sectors in
our state and how each affect our
local economy.
Nearly every person polled said
Oklahoma’s economy relies on oil
and natural gas. So much so, 97.1
percent say oil and natural gas is
a vital industry for Oklahoma’s
economy. When asked what is the
single most important industry to
the economy, 46.9 percent said oil
and natural gas. The next closest was healthcare with 23.3 percent.
When asked about the issue of energy, respondents were asked whether
they believe energy is a national security issue, an economic issue or an
environmental issue. More than 50 percent felt it was an economic issue,
meaning there is a need for our
country to find less expensive
ways of meeting our energy
needs. Nearly 27 percent
said national security and 20
percent said environmental.
With those numbers in
mind, Oklahomans seem to be well-informed about the global energy picture. In fact,
80.4 percent said they believe the world’s energy demands are substantially increasing,
and we will face an energy crisis in the next 10 to 20 years.
Overall, most Oklahomans are supportive of the oil
and natural gas industry in our state. An overwhelming
number, 83.1 percent, reported they have a positive
image of the industry.
Those pollsters also said they would be proud if their
children found careers in the industry. When asked if
they’d encourage their child to consider a job in the oil
and natural gas industry, 78.4 percent said they would.
That’s an increase from 63.2 percent in 2009.
I N D U S T R Y
2
/industry explo rations
Do you have an interest in becoming
politically active on behalf of the
crude oil and natural gas industry? As
the representative organization for
over 2,100 members, the Oklahoma
Independent Petroleum Association
is actively seeking future leaders who
have a serious interest in learning about
the legislative and regulatory processes
which shape our industry. The OIPA
also offers many great networking and
relationship building events throughout
the year. For more information or to find
out how you can be a part of this exciting
movement, please contact Natalie
Kinmonth at (405) 942-2334, ext. 209 or
by e-mail at nkinmonth@oipa.com.
The Oklahoma Energy Resources Board has selected Taylor Todd to serve as its
education coordinator.
As the education coordinator, Todd will help coordinate OERB’s energy and science curricula, and
oversee the OERB’s Petro Pros programs.
“I’m grateful for the chance to be a part of this organization,” said Todd. “The OERB is an invaluable
resource for Oklahoma teachers, and I am looking forward to working with each of them.”
Todd is a recent graduate of the University of Oklahoma, having finished her bachelor's degree
in visual communications in May 2010. Her previous work includes marketing and sales at Noble
Pharmacy.
“Taylor’s eagerness and enthusiasm will be one of her strongest assets,” said Carla Schaeperkoetter,
OERB education director. “She is new to the oil and natural gas industry, and we look forward to
hearing what fresh ideas she has to help us make our student education programs stronger and more
valuable for our teachers and students.”
N E W S & M E D I A
Fall 2011
3
/news
Sweeping landscapes, lush greenery and proud landowners. It’s often not difficult to
spot an OERB television commercial. The message is simple. We clean up abandoned
well sites, and we’ve done it well for more than 15 years.
Most Oklahomans are familiar with our restoration program. In fact, after more than
11,000 restorations, many know someone who has had a well site cleaned up somewhere
in the state.
However, as honored as the OERB is to better the environment of Oklahoma, it is only
half of the mission we’ve been diligently undertaking for nearly two decades.
The OERB is embarking on a new message campaign that introduces the public to the
other side of what the industry is providing the state, through the OERB. Come November,
the sweeping scenes you will see in OERB’s newest public information campaign, will be
ones of classrooms, science labs and museums. It has been those places where the OERB
has carried out the other part of its mission – student education.
“There was a time when the restoration program was the OERB story,” said Pete Brown,
OERB Public Education Committee Chairman. “But, the organization has grown dramatically
over the last few years. Our student education efforts are making a major impact across the state.”
OERB began its student education efforts in 1996 with the development of a grade school science and energy curriculum and a
well site safety program. Since then, scholastic outreach has grown to encompass students from kindergarten through college, and
includes eight curricula, a volunteer speakers’ bureau, scholarships, a technical certification program and more.
“We looked at textbooks years ago and realized Oklahoma students were not going to learn very much about our industry and
their state’s oil and natural gas heritage if we didn’t do something,” said Brown. “Now, they begin to learn about geology and earth
science much earlier thanks to the OERB.”
New television, radio, Internet and print advertising will begin to share with the public the student education story of the OERB.
The public will begin to hear about the $21 million investment the industry, through the OERB, has dedicated to student education.
Oklahomans will find out more about the OERB’s continued commitment to more than 12,000 teachers to provide free curricula,
classroom supplies and field trips, as well as investing in the futures of hundreds of college students as they equip themselves to be
the world’s next leaders in energy.
“What we have been able to do over the past two decades is build a student education program that is first class in Oklahoma
and is a model for other states to follow,” said Brown.
These ads are in the production phase now and are expected to be released in late November.
NEW CAMPAIGN telling the OERB education story
r e s to r a tion
4
/restoration explo rations
A little more than a year after a new site identification database
was put into use at the OERB, the Environmental Restoration
team is calling it a success.
In the summer of 2010, the OERB began incorporating
Geographical Information Systems
or GIS technology into a database.
That database now includes
county land records, Oklahoma
Corporation Commission well
records and aerial photographs
from historical documents and
other sources to help pinpoint
abandoned wells that have not yet
been cleaned up and restored.
Environmental Director Steve Sowers says the
database is working as he had hoped, helping the OERB
track down remote sites more easily and efficiently.
“This system has increased the number of sites we
identified this year and turned into the Oklahoma
Corporation Commission for review,” said Sowers.
Once sites are identified, letters are mailed out
to landowners to let them know they may have an
abandoned oil well on their property. In the past year,
2,031 letters have been mailed out to landowners,
and because there are often multiple sites on a single
landowner’s property, those two-thousand-plus letters
turned into 2,672 identified sites.
Compared to traditional site submittal methods, the
database’s worth is truly highlighted. Since August of
2010, only 244 possible abandoned sites have been
submitted through the traditional methods including
landowners who have seen a television commercial or
Corporation Commission field inspectors who identify
sites while carrying out their other duties.
RESPONSE RATE: Nearly 350
landowners have responded to the
letters about the abandoned well
sites on their land. That tallies up to
about a 20 percent response rate – a
rate that’s been consistent since the launch of the database.
Once a landowner has responded, a project manager will visit
the site to meet landowners and determine the extent of damage.
The sites are then turned over to the OCC for approval before the
restoration work can begin.
“This system is a very proactive
approach to our restoration efforts,”
said Sowers. “While we still rely on
landowner inquiries to help lead
us to sites, searching and finding
them ourselves will help us fulfill
our mission more efficiently.”
To date, the OERB has restored
11,470 abandoned well sites and
spent $68 million on its restoration efforts. If you believe you have
an abandoned well site on your property or know someone who
does, call 1-800-664-1301 or submit it online at oerb.com.
SITE IDENTIFICATION PROVES WORTH
"THIS SYSTEM IS A
VERY PROACTIVE
APPROACH TO
OUR RESORATION
EFFORTS."
How many abandoned well sites have
been cleaned up near you?
See for yourself at oerb.com/restoration.
c a r e e r s
Fall 2011 /careers 5
5
A little volunteering from industry
professionals could be the key that unlocks
an Oklahoma child’s future in the oil
and natural gas industry. The OERB has
revamped its Petro Pros program and
added a section geared toward kindergarten
through second grade students.
Petro Pros are industry professionals who
volunteer their time to visit classrooms
across the state. A Petro Pro delivers a
hands-on, interactive presentation that
focuses on science, the discovery
of petroleum, well site safety and
careers in the oil and natural gas
industry.
Until now, the presentation was
too advanced for students younger than third grade. New activities and simplified
language in a special K-2 Petro Pros presentation, however, will make it possible for
volunteers to reach the youngest students.
Several Petro Pros gathered at an OERB-hosted luncheon recently to learn about the
new K-2 presentation. The volunteers are excited for the chance to talk with students.
“I'm very excited to participate in such a great program for the kids in our community,” said Jennifer James who
works at DCP Midstream. “As the mother of a 4-year-old, I know just how eager young minds can be to learn. I
think the positive impressions and lessons that kids remember for a lifetime begin at a very young age.”
Clark Whisenant works for Devon Energy and was inspired by his second grade son to volunteer.
“His grandpa and great-grandpa are both geologists,” said Whisenant. “He loves learning about science, and I
hope to provide the same excitement about learning to other kids. I’m looking forward to sharing with students
the science behind many items they see every day.
If you are interested in becoming a Petro Pro, or if you would like to schedule a presentation, call Taylor Todd
at 1-800-664-1301 or sign up online at www.oerb.com.
Some Oklahoma oil and natural gas companies are in the market for a few good workers,
and they’re turning to the OERB Job Line for help. The free online job search helps fill
Oklahoma’s need for energy industry employees, both skilled labor and professionals.
“When Oklahoma sees increases in drilling and leasing activity, the demand for a trained
workforce grows as well,” said OERB Executive Director Mindy Stitt. “The job line serves as
a way to connect companies with the people looking for those jobs.”
Stitt encourages producers, service companies and other energy-related companies or
organizations to post job openings on the OERB Job Line.
“The job line is free and easy,” Stitt said. “We expect many openings in the coming
months across the state, and we hope to play a role in matching the right jobs with the
right candidates.”
The oil and natural gas industry provides more than 71,000 jobs in Oklahoma.
Companies can email careers@oerb.com to learn more about posting job openings. If
you’re looking for a job just visit oerb.com/jobline for a full list of available positions
in your area.
Job Line is Hopping
SAMUEL LANGFORD
Sam Langford is General
Ma n a g e r o f New f i e l d
Exploration Mid-Continent.
He holds a Bachelor of
Science degree in mechanical
engineering from Auburn.
GARRETT PHELAN
Garrett Phelan serves as
Senior Crude Marketing
Representative for Sunoco
Logistics Partners, located
in Tulsa. Phelan is a Tulsa
native and holds a bachelor’s degree in
accounting. He also earned a Master of
Business Administration degree from
Arizona State University.
DALE MALODY
Dale Malody is Operations
Manager for Marathon Oil
Company in Oklahoma City.
Dale graduated from the
University of Wyoming in
1979 with a Bachelor of Science degree
in mathematics and then attended several
semesters of graduate school before
beginning his career with Marathon Oil
Company, formerly known as Casper, in
1980.
The OERB thanks outgoing board
members Lee Boothby of Newfield, Jim
Medico of Sunoco Logistics and Michael
Wiskofske of Marathon for their dedication
and service to the organization.
OERB WELCOMES
NEW BOARD MEMBERS
rPeEaTchRinOg Pa RnOewS audience
While another school year is well underway across
Oklahoma, the Education Department at the OERB is looking
back on the past school year and calling it a success.
At a banquet in May, the OERB staff celebrated its student
education volunteers.
The banquet shed light on important student education
milestones reached by the OERB during the 2010-2011
school year. These accomplishments include surpassing $20
million spent on student education efforts across the state
and launching a fourth children’s book.
From 2010-2011, the OERB staff and master teachers
trained 1,455 Oklahoma teachers in one of OERB’s eight
energy and science curricula.
Through generous funding from oil and natural gas
producers and royalty owners, the OERB also sponsored
1,500 field trips for 32,550 students to seven of Oklahoma’s
museums around the state. The OERB also awarded 109
scholarships to students at OU, OSU and TU.
The OERB is grateful for the many volunteers who help
it achieve its student education goals across the state. Many
of those volunteers are Petro Pros – industry professionals
who deliver one-hour presentations in classrooms across the
state to teach students about the oil and natural gas industry.
This past school year, 150 petro pro presentations reached 5,000 students.
Phil Valois with Pacer Energy was honored as the Outstanding Petro Pro for
traveling across eastern Oklahoma to deliver 16 presentations during the 2010-
2011 school year. Valois has been a petro pro for three years and has completed
a total of 63 presentations in that time.
In 2009, the OERB expanded the
PetroTech program from Oklahoma
City to Tulsa. Since then, Tulsa
Technology Center has done an
excellent job making this program
available to area students. To recognize
this significant contribution to OERB’s
Energy Education program, the OERB
recognized Tulsa Technology Center
with its 2011 Petro Partner Award.
The banquet festivities wrapped up
by honoring one volunteer with the
organization’s most prestigious education award – the Randy Foutch Award. This award is
named in honor of the former OERB board member who championed the OERB’s scholastic
outreach programs. Chuck Henkes of Weatherford Drilling received this award.
Henkes has been a Petro Pro volunteer for 10 years, reaching more than 2,000 students through presentations around the state.
Henkes has also donated numerous drill bits to the OERB to add to the demonstration kits Petro Pros use in their presentations. The
OERB is grateful for his dedication to our programs and to all of our volunteers who have made student education so successful
at the OERB.
e duca tion
/educators explo rations
6
Reaching New Milestones
OERB Scholastic Outreach Chairman Tim Munson with Chuck Henkes
Scholastic Outreach Chairman Tim Munson with
Tami Smith from Tulsa Tech
Students are prepping for finals across Oklahoma’s college
campuses. At the University of Tulsa, Oklahoma State University
and the University of Oklahoma, OERB’s petroleum scholars took
a short study break to talk about their futures.
The OERB is supporting 109 scholars this year. These are students
studying petroleum-related majors at TU, OSU and OU.
The job prospects for these students are high. Many OERB
petroleum scholars have a job lined up before they graduate.
The industry is seeking highly-skilled workers to reinforce their
staffs. Right now, the average age in the oil and natural gas industry
hovers around 50 years old, and those looming close to retirement
promise to create a gap that energy companies must fill.
An opportunity that isn’t lost on these OERB scholars.
“I want to be in the oil and natural gas industry because of the
opportunities it provides students,” said Eric Weidermann, TU energy
management senior. “We have bright career prospects in just about
any area we want.”
Fellow Hurricane, Oliver Wilson, agrees.
“Oil and natural gas is a very attractive industry, and it’s growing
with a lot of potential and a lot of room for new employees,”
said Wilson, a TU petroleum engineering junior. “I’d like to go
overseas and work in offshore reservoir engineering to find new
and advanced ways to recover oil.”
Still, for some joining the industry is not only about opportunity,
but also about following in family footsteps.
“I have family in the oilfield, and it’s just always been a way of
life,” said Zach Caraway, OSU geosciences junior. “I really feel the
oilfield is the last place a guy can make his fortune just by working
hard, doing what he does and knowing what he knows.”
What you hear most often from OERB petroleum scholars,
however, is how thankful they are to have both financial and
professional support from the industry.
“This scholarship has not only helped me, but it’s also helped
my family,” said Jon Fields, an OSU geosciences junior. “I don’t
have to worry about my mom trying to pay my tuition.”
Fellow Oklahoma State scholar, Mary Niles, agrees and recognizes
this scholarship is just the beginning of a long and successful career
in the industry.
“The OERB scholarship has helped me not only financially,
but also through networking opportunities,” said Niles, an OSU
geosciences junior. “I know that in this industry, networking is
a big part, and OERB is helping us make those connections that
will last a lifetime.”
The OERB awards up to $500,000 to students annually. A student
can receive as much at $10,500 over four years. The application
period for 2012-2013 scholarships is now open. Deadline to apply
is March 1, 2012. Visit the Careers page at oerb.com to apply.
e duca tion
Fall 2011 /educators
7
OERB Scholars
Ready to Answer the Call
OERB BOARD MEMBERS Oklahoma Energy Resources Board
3555 NW 58th Street | Suite 430 | Oklahoma City, OK 73112
Presorted
Standard Mail
U.S. Postage Paid
Permit No. 2000
Oklahoma City, OK
David House / Chairman
Jireh Resources, LLC
Ronnie Irani / Vice Chairman
RKI Exploration & Production
Julie S. Kruger / Secretary
JMW, LLC
Suzette Hatfield / Treasurer
Rio Dinero, LLC
Terry Adamson
BP America Inc.
Mark Aebi
Conoco Phillips
Pete Brown
Cimarron Production
Company Inc.
Mike Cantrell
Cantrell Investments, LLC
Phil Cook
Devon Energy Corp.
Mike Cross
Michael P. Cross Inc.
Bill Gifford
DCP Midstream
Thomas Goresen
Anadarko Petroleum
Rusty Johnson
JEC Operating, LLC
Rob Johnston
Apache Corp.
Central Region
Sam Langford
Newfield Exploration,
Mid-Continent Inc.
Dale Malody
Marathon Oil Company
Tim Munson
Spartan Resources, LLC
Garrett Phelan
Sunoco Logistics Partners
John Pilkington
Muirfield Resources
Company
Will Whitley
Chevron Corp.
Mindy Stitt
Executive Director
Steve Sowers
Environmental Director
Jennifer Billings
Communications Director
Carla Schaeperkoetter
Education Director
Diana Mathis
Controller
Cheryl Standage
Assessment Auditor
Sara McKisson
Environmental Coordinator
Breanne Wald
Web Site Administrator/
Communications Coordinator
Gayla Wright
Curricula Coordinator
Taylor Todd
Education Coordinator
OErB Contact Informatio n:
3555 NW 58th Street | Suite 430
Oklahoma City, OK 73112
(405)942-5323 ph | (405)942-3435 fx
(800) 664-1301 | OERB.com
This publication, printed by Mach 12 Graphics, is issued by the Oklahoma Energy Resources
Board as authorized by Executive Director Mindy Stitt. Fourteen thousand (14,000) copies have
been prepared and distributed at a cost of $3,828.00 Copies have been deposited with the
Publications Clearinghouse of the Oklahoma Department of Libraries.
[74 O.S. 1991, SS 3105 (B)] 5/97